ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

Formed in 1986, Masada hailed from Waukegan Illinois. The members included Nick Travetto on vocal, Bill Pitts on bass, Andy (Kaos) Vehnekamp on drums and Paul Quinn on guitar. With the burgeoning metal scene in full blown hair metal mode, Masada rejected everything that scene embraced. Speed was the drug that drove these boys. With one foot in the grindcore realm (which at that time did not even have a name other than speed metal) and one foot squarely in the hardcore arena, Masada was an early crossover favorite amongst the Chicagoland metal and punk scenes. In 1987 their first release "Til Death" became an underground tape trader favorite while establishing them as serious contenders for the speed crown. With a live show that resembled a riot scene as much as it did a show, Masada became a major draw in the Chicago area. With few venues willing to risk the rabid following and subsequent damages that followed them, Masada began renting theaters and V.F.W. halls to promote their brand of "No rules" types of shows. Stage divers often overtook the performances by sheer numbers leaving the band members unable to perform until the stage was cleared only to begin again and start the whole cycle again. Having established themselves as a force to be reckoned with live, Masada re-entered the studio to record a 4 song E.P. titled "Witness This Genocide" with producer Eric "Griffy" Grief at Opus studios. "Witness This Genocide" garnered critical praise and produced 2 songs which were the first tracks on both sides of a compilation record titled "At The Foot Of Brutality", which was a Midwest compilation record on Metal Edge records. With the new record came opportunities to open for many national acts and even a slot on the prestigious MILWAUKEE METAL FEST. After 5 years together, the members of MASADA split ways and moved around to different areas of the country to pursue musical projects which are very active to this day. This page was designed to make a place for all of the people who supported them and where old war stories could be shared and enjoyed by those who lived through it. MASADA wore their scars on their sleeves as a badge of honor. Poor kids banding together as the best of friends with a common mission to cause maximum damage everywhere they went. In that regard, it was successful! Fast forward 20 years and the Masada brotherhood is again writing and recording. Technology has allowed them to pick up where the unfinished business left off. Masada is:Bill Pitts - bass/vocalsNick Travetto - vocalsDave Cook - drumsPaul Quinn - guitars/vocals